Director of IT & Data

Director of IT & Data

The Ocean Cleanup

Rotterdam, Netherlands

THE ASSIGNMENT

Reporting to the VP Science & Technology, the Director of IT and Data is responsible for the strategic direction and leadership of The Ocean Cleanup’s IT, platform, and data functions.

You will define and execute the organization’s technology and data strategy, ensuring that our infrastructure, applications, data architecture, and cybersecurity capabilities support both current operations and future scale-up. The role combines strategic leadership with the ability to engage deeply enough with technology to challenge architectural decisions, establish priorities, and ensure that solutions remain coherent across the organization.

You will lead a team of approximately 9 permanent employees and 6 contractors and work closely with teams across The Ocean Cleanup to understand their needs and translate them into scalable technology and data solutions. Beyond running a high-performing IT function, you will help define how technology and operational data can accelerate the mission across research, modelling, operations, and organizational performance.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy, Architecture & Roadmap

• Define and execute the platform, data, and IT strategy in alignment with The Ocean Cleanup’s mission and organizational objectives;
• Define, own, and prioritize a multi-year software, platform, data, and IT roadmap;
• Support operational teams with strategic data architecture and structural technology needs;
• Manage budgets, prioritize technology investments, and ensure expenditure delivers measurable organizational value;
• Establish architectural principles and ensure consistency across internally developed and externally sourced solutions.

IT Infrastructure & Operations

• Oversee scalable and reliable IT infrastructure, including cloud environments, applications, workplace technology, and collaboration systems;
• Ensure employees at the Rotterdam headquarters and those working remotely have reliable and well-supported hardware, software, and business systems, including ERP and CRM solutions;
• Manage and negotiate relationships with technology vendors and external service providers;
• Develop and maintain appropriate disaster recovery and business continuity capabilities;
• Ensure technology choices support the organization’s growth while reflecting its innovative and pragmatic approach.

Data & Analytics

• Oversee the collection, storage, governance, and analysis of organizational and operational data;
• Develop and maintain internal applications that turn data into high-quality decision-making tools across areas such as research, modelling, performance tracking, and optimization;
• Manage the portfolio of data applications and determine when capabilities should be developed internally, procured externally, or outsourced;
• Oversee appropriate data platforms, BI tools, data lakes, and dashboards supporting organizational KPIs and decision-making;
• Define and implement data governance policies and standards across the organization.

Cybersecurity & Compliance

• Own the organization’s cyber risk and governance approach, translating risk appetite into appropriate controls and practices;
• Ensure sensitive information, including research data, donor information, and proprietary technology, is appropriately protected;
• Ensure relevant technology and data practices comply with applicable requirements and standards, including GDPR, ISO 27001, and the EU AI Act;
• Lead incident response and ensure clear processes and communication are in place for technology and cybersecurity incidents.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead, develop, and support a multidisciplinary IT and Data team of approximately 9 permanent employees and 6 contractors;
• Build a high-performing team through effective hiring, coaching, development, and retention;
• Foster strong collaboration between IT and other departments, ensuring technology solutions address shared organizational needs;
• Operate effectively with senior leadership and at management-team/C-suite level, translating technology topics into clear organizational priorities and decisions;
• Lead change effectively as new systems, processes, and ways of working are introduced.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 15 years of experience in technology, including 5+ years of experience managing and leading teams;
• Demonstrated experience defining and owning technology strategies and multi-year software, platform, and IT roadmaps;
• Strong experience with enterprise architecture and/or solution architecture;
• Experience with software development and the software development lifecycle;
• Strong knowledge of cloud and data platforms, including technologies such as AWS and Kubernetes, with the ability to challenge architectural decisions and ensure consistency across solutions;
• Proven experience owning cybersecurity risk and governance and translating organizational risk appetite into appropriate controls;
• Experience operating at and reporting into management-team or C-suite level;
• Strong change management skills and experience leading technology-related organizational change;
• Experience in Operational Technology environments is an advantage;
• Experience working in a fast-growing, international, or scale-up environment is an advantage.

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Comfortable operating in complex, fast-moving environments and able to create structure where needed;
• Strong strategic thinker who can translate long-term direction into practical plans and execution;
• Natural problem-solver who looks for solutions that address shared organizational needs and create value across teams;
• Able to balance the big picture with sufficient attention to detail and step in hands-on when required;
• Flexible and focused, comfortable switching between strategic leadership and practical execution;
• Resilient, open to feedback, and willing to adapt approaches as the organization evolves;
• Collaborative leader with strong coaching skills who empowers others while maintaining clear accountability;
• Strongly motivated by impact and by The Ocean Cleanup’s mission.